China has condemned Mexico’s recent anti-dumping investigations targeting Chinese imports and has vowed to “take all necessary measures” to protect the legitimate interests of Chinese companies.

“China firmly opposes protectionist actions that undermine China’s legitimate rights and interests. We will closely follow the progress of Mexico’s investigations and urge Mexico to strictly abide by WTO rules in the process, so as to safeguard the lawful rights and interests of Chinese companies,” China’s Ministry of Commerce said in a statement on Friday.

Beijing noted that Mexico had launched 11 anti-dumping probes into Chinese imports this year – almost twice the amount of similar investigations compared with last year – and the statement added that China had been restrained in its responses.

The remarks followed Mexico’s anti-dumping probes into Chinese goods, including float glass and PVC-coated fabric, which came amid quickly escalating trade tensions between Beijing and Mexico City.

The Chinese government also reiterated its criticism of the United States for coercing Mexico into taking a tougher trade stance against China.

“China believes that, in the current context of the US’ arbitrarily imposing tariffs, all countries should jointly oppose unilateralism, should not allow protectionism to spread, and certainly should not impose restrictions on China under various pretexts at the coercion of others,” the statement said, urging Mexico to oppose unilateralism and protectionism.

Mexico faces increasing pressure from Washington to curb Chinese imports over concerns that Mexico might serve as a back door to the American market.

In early September, Mexico announced plans to increase tariffs by up to 50 per cent on about 1,400 product categories, including vehicles, auto parts, steel, toys and furniture. The duties will apply to countries without trade agreements with Mexico, including China, and coincide with preparations for the 2026 review of the US-Mexico-Canada Free Trade Agreement.

China launched anti-dumping and trade barrier probes into Mexico following these plans.

In July, Trump threatened to raise tariffs on Mexican goods to 30 per cent before declaring a 90-day pause, set to expire in late October.